3 Taxi Union Drivers Killed Near Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Three men identified as drivers from the "Lázaro Cárdenas del Río" taxi union were found dead on Friday afternoon in a remote area near Federal Highway 307, on the border between the municipalities of Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. Authorities are investigating a possible execution linked to disputes among criminal groups.

Discovery of the Bodies

Around 4:00 p.m., emergency services received a 911 report about two lifeless bodies spotted in the brush near Federal Highway 307, running north to south between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. Puerto Morelos municipal police officers arrived at the scene and quickly located the victims, who were lying on a small path just meters from the highway.

Further inspection revealed a third male victim nearby. All three were middle-aged and wearing uniforms of the "Lázaro Cárdenas del Río" taxi union.

Authorities Secure the Scene

Personnel from the National Guard, Highway Division, and the Mexican Army arrived to secure the area while awaiting forensic teams from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE). Investigators noted signs of violence on the bodies, which were found alongside a placard bearing a message attributed to a criminal organization.

Possible Links to Criminal Activity

Unofficial reports indicate that two of the victims had allegedly been abducted on July 16. The presence of narco-banners at the scene, threatening further reprisals against union members, has reinforced suspicions of ties to illicit activities.

This incident follows the recent killing of a delegate from the same taxi union last weekend. The delegate was shot dead while attempting to enter his home in the informal settlement of "Nueva Esperanza."

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are conducting further inquiries to determine whether the deceased were involved in criminal networks or were casualties of an internal dispute among rival factions.

The case remains under investigation as officials work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the killings.